Benedetta is a kaleidoscopic look at religious fever, young love, and moral corruption, in this latest film from “madman-genius” (Vanity Fair) director Paul Verhoeven (Elle, Showgirls, Basic Instinct, Robocop).

A novitiate nun in 17th-century Italy suffers from disturbing religious and erotic visions. She is assisted by a companion, and the relationship between the two women develops into a romantic love affair. Based on Judith C. Brown’s Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy, Benedetta is wildly entertaining, and featuring standout performances from Virginie Efira as the title character and Charlotte Rampling as the stoic, conflicted Mother Abbess.